To slightly contort the old rib-tickler, Q: “What’s
the definition of a gentleman?” A: “A
man who can play the bagpipes, but doesn’t.”,
let us instead ask, Q: “What is the definition
of P J Harvey on her new album, While Chalk?”
A: “A woman who can play electric guitar, but
doesn’t.” Indeed, the only prominently
discernable fretboard work here, on the title track
and – paradoxically – ‘The Piano’,
is a strummed acoustic. Elsewhere, it’s keyboards
all the way. That’s right, the Devon Diva is
exploring her debt to Brontesque Kate Bushisms, particularly
on a cut like ‘Grow, Grow, Grow’, at the
expense of her more Beefheartian leanings. Still,
it’s rare that music this ethereally supernatural
is also this gut-wrenchingly visceral. When combined
with lyrical content dealing with abortion and/or
miscarriage, deceased family members, and being dead
herself, it can only get eerier. Chilling, and quite
extraordinary.